The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ’ 23–3 win against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 at Caesars Superdome was written by defense, and more specifically, by Anthony Nelson’s historic first-half performance. With Haason Reddick out of the lineup, Nelson made the most of his first start of the season.

On New Orleans' opening drive, Nelson stripped rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, with veteran linebacker Lavonte David pouncing on the loose ball at Tampa Bay’s 33-yard line. Two possessions later, Nelson broke through again, this time with a sack on second down, pinning the Saints deep in a third-and-long.

When the Buccaneers’ offense failed to convert a goal-line opportunity early in the second quarter, Nelson took matters into his own hands. On the ensuing New Orleans possession, he deflected R

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